Benefit of Stereotactic Procedures in a Series of 43 Children.

OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic biopsies are procedures that enable neurosurgeons to obtain tissue samples of brain tumors located in eloquent areas with a low risk of perioperative complications. In this study, we examined stereotactic procedures (STX) in children. We focused on effectiveness, safety, and histopathological results to evaluate the benefits of the procedure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective database and included 43 children aged less than 18 years who underwent STX between 1998 and May 2015. All MRIs were evaluated by a single, experienced neuroradiologist. For all biopsies, Leksell stereotactic frame was used and fixed to the children's head with four pins. Entry and targetpoints were calculated by BrainLab navigation system. We assessed age, tumor localization, number of samples, histological diagnosis, and postoperative treatment. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 11 years (range 1-18 years), and median number of tissue samples taken was 12 (range 1 with mere puncture of a cyst to 36). Histopathological examination revealed a final diagnosis in all patients. 3 patients underwent puncture of a cyst. 27 patients had a postoperative imaging. Only in 3 patients, CT scan revealed blood in the area where the biopsy had been taken. All bleedings were small and without clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic procedures are accurate and save surgeries to obtain tumor tissue from eloquent areas to base further therapy on. This not only applies to adults but also to children of all ages.